Fair Lending Initiative

WORKSHOPS

What is fair lending? How can you be vigilant about ending housing discrimination in your community? In 2017, Housing Action Illinois partnered with Associated Bank, HOPE Fair Housing, and organizations across Illinois to bring a series of workshops on housing discrimination to audiences of housing counselors, municipalities, community based organizations, and public housing authorities. We discussed the history and definition of fair housing and fair lending, dig into implicit biases, and explore best practices for counselors, municipalities, and community members. We talked about how fair lending impacts your community and what you can do about it.

We’re excited to take the next step of this initiative with a series of workshops on housing discrimination for the general public in 2018. Check back soon for more information.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Our brochure on fair lending helps renters and home buyers identify warning signs of lending discrimination, find fair housing enforcement agencies, and figure out how to file a complaint. Download a PDF of the brochure now or contact us to request physical copies for yourself or your agency.

The Federal Fair Housing Act protects everyone’s right to rent an apartment, buy a home, obtain a mortgage, or purchase homeowners insurance free from discrimination based on race, religion, gender, national origin, color, disability (mental and physical), or familial status (presence of children under 18 in the home).

In July 2015, HUD issued an Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule that requires local governments to conduct an Assessment of Fair Housing using an “Assessment Tool” to assist them in meeting their obligation to affirmatively further fair housing. In January 2018, HUD announced that this rule is suspended until 2020. Learn more here.